PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Kevin Durant just made history. He surpassed Wilt Chamberlain to become the seventh highest scorer in NBA history. During a game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Durant hit a crucial 3-pointer, bringing his career total to 31,422 points, just ahead of Chamberlain’s 31,419.
This milestone underscores Durant’s incredible talent and dedication. At 37 years old and in his 18th season, he remains a dominant force in the league. With 15 All-Star selections and over 8,000 career rebounds, his record speaks volumes.
“It doesn’t surprise me,” said Rockets coach Ime Udoka. “He works hard every day.” His former coach and current Blazers coach, Tiago Splitter, recalled being struck by Durant’s skills even in his early days with Oklahoma City. “Just a young Kevin Durant, scoring 30 every night, and he just keeps doing that,” Splitter noted. “It’s impressive, especially at his age.”
When the fans at Moda Center heard about the achievement, they responded with a warm round of applause. Durant’s journey shows not just talent, but relentless effort and resilience. His ability to keep scoring at a high level, even as he approaches the later stage of his career, is a testament to his exceptional work ethic.
Recent trends in sports indicate that longevity is becoming more common among players, with advancements in training and nutrition playing a significant role. Studies show that today’s athletes are often physically able to perform at a high level well into their late 30s. In the past, most players would retire by this age, but now the landscape is changing.
For fans and analysts alike, Durant’s achievement is not just about numbers—it’s about legacy. As he climbs the scoring ranks, his influence on the game continues to grow. He is not just contributing points; he’s setting an example for future generations of players.
As the season unfolds, many will be watching to see how much higher Durant can climb in the scoring ranks. His next target is Dirk Nowitzki, who sits sixth with 31,560 points. Whether or not he reaches that goal, Durant’s passion for the game and dedication to improvement will undoubtedly inspire others in and out of the sport.
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Kevin Durant Wilt Chamberlain
